Extra Pages: The Author's Odyssey
Chapter 45: VR Duel [ 1 ]

3rd POV

The training ground was alive with the sounds of clashing metal and determined fighters. Cadets sparred against each other or the practice puppets scattered across the area. Amidst this activity, a solitary figure stood out.

In the centre of the training ground, a young boy, Lucas, focused intently on his swordsmanship. His eyes were closed, and his sword formed a diagonal barrier across his body. With precise movements, he deflected imaginary attacks, perfecting his defence while keeping an eye on opportunities for counterattacks.

Lucas repeated these motions tirelessly, honing his skills. A week had passed since he'd entered Nova Academy, and his dedication to mastering the [Celestial Parry] technique was unwavering.

Before, he could only perform the first movement of the technique once or twice before running out of mana. Now, he could manage it five times without exhausting his energy. But Lucas knew that he needed to reach a higher level of mastery to execute the [Celestial Parry] seamlessly.

He cleared his mind, focusing solely on his practice.

Perry and Counterattack.

Perry and Counterattack.

Perry and Counterattack.

Lucas entered a trance-like state, losing himself in the repetitive motions. He didn't stop until both his mana and stamina were depleted.

As he took a moment to rest, he realized that the surroundings had grown dark. Only a few silhouettes of dedicated individuals remained in the training ground, all absorbed in their training.

Then, a notification from his AI bracelet interrupted his thoughts.

The time was already 2:30 AM, and Lucas was startled to realize it was now Saturday. He had lost track of time during his intense training.

[Ding!]

The bright red notification demanded his attention, announcing a critical update.

[Traveling Crew Announcement]

—There will be a short trip on Sunday to serve as a freshman orientation.

Lucas read the message. The travelling orientation was scheduled for Sunday, and the meeting place was the 'Academy City Station,' a connection to five major cities.

His thoughts drifted back to his recent incident that happened in the Nova Academy.

The tension between junior and senior members of the academy remained stable for now, thanks to the Student Council's intervention. However, Lucas knew that these dynamics could change over time.

He couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all. Gorge and his allies had taken leave, 'claiming that their grandmothers had passed away.' It was a humorous twist in an already eventful this week.

the research department held its meetings once a week for non-members. Since Lucas was merely a member, his next visit to the department would have to wait until the following week.

Lucas glanced at his AI bracelet once more, contemplating the events of the day.

Looking at the time in his AI bracelet murmured to himself, "Let's go to bed now. I don't want to be late for today's class or else this time I really will get punishment from Lillian."

It was late, and he didn't want to risk being late for his classes again, fearing Lillian's potential punishment.

Resolute in his decision, he headed back to his apartment, ready to rest and face another day at Nova Academy.

***

At the same time, Lucas left the training ground.

In a spacious training room, the air was thick with intensity as a lone figure moved with incredible speed and precision. The room seemed to shrink in comparison to his agile movements. Each swing of his broadsword was a controlled dance of power and finesse.

With every slash, the blade created arcs of energy in the air. The practice puppet before him bore the brunt of his relentless assault. Each impact left a small indentation on the puppet, and shockwaves radiated from the point of contact, demonstrating the sheer force behind his strikes.

The practice puppet was no ordinary target; it was crafted from a unique and durable material. If not for this special construction, it would have succumbed to the relentless onslaught long ago.

As the figure came to a halt, his sculpted body glistened with sweat. He was shirtless, and the droplets of sweat traced a wild and manly pattern on his skin. Gasping for breath, he reached for a water bottle and drank deeply.

After quenching his thirst, he leaned against the wall, exhaustion evident in his posture. The relentless training had taken its toll, even on someone as physically capable as him.

A knock at the door interrupted his moment of respite.

"…Come in," he uttered, his voice carrying an air of indifference.

The door creaked open, revealing a burly and imposing individual with a buzzcut. This man was Hora, and he stood with a posture that exuded deference and caution.

"Young master Aric, I heard you called me," Hora spoke, his voice filled with respect.

Aric nodded indifferently, rose from his seat, and grabbed a towel. Drying his hair, he slowly approached Hora, who remained composed and silent.

Aric's fist struck Hora's stomach with brutal force, causing him to double over in agony, gasping for rebreather…khhh," Hora groaned, clutching his midsection.

"To be unable to deal with mere trash, it's already been three weeks since I ordered you," Aric sneered, glaring disdainfully at Hora.

He tossed the sweat-drenched towel at Hora, who was recovering from the blow.

"Stand up," Aric commanded.

With great effort, Hora straightened himself, and Aric continued his tirade.

"…To think you would resort to such stupid tricks to harass someone who isn't even worth my notice, and even if you did, you sent another trash against trash."

Hesitantly, Hora attempted to explain himself, but Aric silenced him with a stern command.

"Shut up."

Aric's mood had been sour for weeks, all thanks to a single student who had managed to disrupt his life at Nova Academy.

Lucas.

That was the name that infuriated Aric. He wanted Lucas's life to be a living nightmare, to force him to leave the academy out of sheer misery. But Lucas had thwarted his plans, not once, but twice.

Aric's pride had been wounded by someone he deemed beneath him.

With a dark expression, Aric declared his intentions.

"I'll ask Star to deal with him…at least he can finish the job."

Hearing the mention of Star, Hora's determination flared.

"Please let me!"

Aric regarded Hora with interest, curious about his newfound resolve.

"What makes you think you can succeed after failing already?"

Hora responded with conviction, explaining his previous actions.

"Because I instructed Gorge to complete the mission, which is why it failed. But this time, I will personally handle it."

Aric contemplated Hora's words before finally nodding in agreement.

"…Hm, I guess you're right."

With a pat on Hora's shoulder, Aric gave him his blessing.

"Make sure you make his life miserable."

Hora nodded earnestly, understanding the weight of Aric's expectations.

As Hora left the training room, Aric muttered under his breath, his voice dripping with contempt.

"Trash."

With renewed determination, Aric returned to the training puppet machine. He swung his broadsword with a mighty blow, unleashing a powerful shockwave that shattered the practice puppet, leaving it in pieces on the floor.

***

"Alright guys that marks the end of the lesson."

disrupting my thoughts was Lillian's voice.

Student began to stand up as Lillian left the classroom.

" yawn"

My sleep was still not completed but I managed to arrive at the class on time.

"Lucas bro, let's go and hang out today at Academy City, I know that you still did not explored the city."

An annoying voice sounded as Sunny came from behind me... Wait a minute how did know that I still had not explored the city?

Did he stalk me?

No way, he may be the weird guy but he never does something like stalking..... Right?

Well, I hope so.

Turning toward sunny I see a big smile on his face.

That kind of smile a dog has when a dog sees his master.

"No, sunny I don't think I can I am going to get some sleep first."

I said as I walked out of class, Sunny trailing behind me like a lost puppy.

"Aw, come on Lucas it should be fun, I also take you some nice bar, what do you say?"

"We are under 18 Sunny. If the academy replaces we will be in big trouble so no."

I said as a frown appeared on my face as the name of the bar was mentioned.

"Came on no is going to fin- ouch why did you suddenly stop?"

I stopped because in front of me, a few steps ahead Adrian, Emma, Noah, Lyra and Evelyn?

And In front of Adrian is Kevin, who caused a big fuss at the training ground one week ago.

What the hell is going on there?

"Oh, it's Adrian and is that Kevin?"

Sunny said as he came forward.

" yes, they are."

I said as I approached them to hear what Adrian saying to him.

"Kevin I challenge you for a duel."

'Ah, a duel it's going to be interesting.'

"Lucas looks like it's going to be an interesting match."

A small grin came to my face.

As I replied to him.

Indeed, Sunny it's going to be interesting."